It is hard to imagine a film industry without "King Kong." It's influence and impact is incalcuable; it's mark on society larger than the title character itself. It's left a legacy that continues to this day, over seventy years later. Ask any child (or adult) who King Kong is, and they're nearly sure to know, even if they haven't seen the film. "King Kong" is unique in the fact that it's popularity is matched by both critical acclaim and artistic integrity. It has firmly cemented itself as a cinematic masterpiece. But how does it hold up, all these years later?
King Kong (1933)
Directed by: Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack
Written by: Merian C. Cooper, Edgar Wallace, James Ashmore Creelman, and Ruth Rose
Starring: Fay Wray as Ann Darrow, Robert Armstrong as Carl Denham, and Bruce Cabot as John 'Jack' Driscoll
Music Composed by: Max Steiner
The film opens in New York, in the midst of the depression. Carl Denhem, a film director, is desperate to find a leading lady for his new motion picture. However, no sensible actress dares to sign up: Denham is a known mavrick filmmaker, and his current film is to be shot after a long boat voyage to a destination unkown. Denhem is a strong, insistent man. He knows what he wants, and he's not willing to comprimise. When his casting agent informs him that there's simply no one willing to take the job, he simply goes to the streets to find his next star.
And, as everyone knows, he finds Ann Darrow. It isn't too difficult to convince to her to sign on - after all, she has nothing to lose. As soon as she's assured that this is entirely legit, she becomes enamored with (and at the same time, a little shy at) the prospect of being a star. They set sail the very next morning, aboard the freighter "Venture."
It is very quickly made known that the all male crew of the "Venture" are not exactly comfortable with a woman being on board. First mate Jack Driscoll complains that Ann is constantly getting in the way - a statement that isn't exactly true. There's even more discomfort at their destination - namely, the lack of one. Denhem finally admits their destination - an island that isn't on any known map. In fact, the only map that it can be found on is a map drawn by a native inhabitant that was swept out to sea. Denhem, to the growing unease of those with him, asks the Captain and Driscoll "Have you ever heard of... Kong?", describing it as a monstrous creature, one who's legend is clouded in fear and mystery.
However, their voyage continues. As does Jack Driscoll's continual insistence that women have no place onboard a ship. Of course, Jack becomes more and more attracted to Ann. Carl Denham takes note, and warns Jack that he has no room for any sort of love affair on his set - Jack quickly replies "Love affair! You think I'm gonn fall for any dame?" and goes on and on to assure Denham that he's a "tough guy." Denham replies (with clear foreshadowing), "...you're a pretty tough guy, but if Beauty gets you... It's the idea of my picture. The Beast was a tough guy too. He could lick the world. But when he saw Beauty, she got him. He went soft. He forgot his wisdom and the little fellas licked him. Think it over, Jack."
Soon enough, they're at Kong's island. They hear drums, and see a village perched upon a peninsula - and beyond the village, an enourmous wall that
